The Role of Prophesy and Literacy in Prophet Muhammad's Mission

The core belief in Islamic tradition asserts that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was unlettered. This concept is rooted in historical records and the rich tapestry of Hadith literature. The belief that Prophet Muhammad was unlettered but not illiterate is a fundamental aspect of Islamic faith, emphasizing divine guidance and the miraculous nature of his mission.

Historical Records and Islamic Tradition

Historically, Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) ability to recite the Quran without prior knowledge of reading or writing is often cited as evidence of his unlettered status. This belief is aligned with the teachings found in the Quran, particularly in Surah Al-Ankabut, Chapter 29, Verse 48, which clearly states:

“And you did not recite before it any scripture nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Otherwise the falsifiers would have had [cause for] doubt.”

This verse underscores the divine nature of the Quran and the miraculous way in which it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Citing this and similar passages in the Quran, one can see that the focus is on divine guidance rather than human knowledge.

Divine Revelation and Miracles

The revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad is considered a profound event in Islamic tradition, highlighting the importance of divine guidance. Despite being unlettered, Prophet Muhammad’s ability to recite and transmit the Quran is seen as one of the significant miracles in Islamic history. This aspect of his mission is often celebrated in Islamic literature and teachings, reinforcing the belief in his authenticity as a prophet.

Initial Revelation and Divine Guidance

The initial revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is often referenced in the Quran. As recorded in Surah Al-Alaq, Chapter 96, the first verse reads:

“Read in the name of Your Lord who created”

This verse, coupled with the subsequent verses, highlights the initial revelation to Prophet Muhammad. The verses emphasize the act of reading and learning in the name of the Creator. The subsequent verses acknowledge that God taught humanity through the use of the pen, indicating that God imparted knowledge to Prophet Muhammad, despite his lack of literacy.

Biblical References and Prophecy

The Bible, too, provides insights into the expectations of the messianic figure. In the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 29, Verse 12, there is a passage that speaks to the nature of the coming prophet:

“And the book is delivered to him that is not learned saying ‘Read this I pray thee’ and he saith ‘I am not learned.”

Interestingly, the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from the Angel Gabriel was inscribed in the Quranic verse 'Iqra' (Read), which aligns with this biblical prophecy. The subsequent chapters revealed to him were memorized and transmitted by many people while still being revealed, reflecting the divine manner of his mission.

Thus, the unlettered status of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is seen as a testament to his authenticity and the divine nature of his mission. The focus on divine guidance, coupled with his ability to recite and transmit the Quran, underscores the unique and miraculous nature of his prophetic role.